We had a great #bikeschool session last week; good attendance, great answers and no injuries. If you couldn’t be with us then you missed a corker as always but you can always catchup with the #bikeschool questions and answers by going back through the Twitter timeline HERE. As the evenings professor I asked for...
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We’ve all heard the phrase, “Pay it Forward”…but what we might not realize is just how big of an impact it can have on someone’s life. Today, we share the story of two cyclists who had their lives changed forever and are so grateful that they continue to Pay it Forward. I’ve been thinking...
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Which individual supplements should I take? I generally eat pretty healthily and stay relatively fit but I wonder if I’m getting enough vitamins and minerals. Is there a product (available in the UK) that contains the right mixes of daily vitamins and minerals and if not, which individual supplements should I take to compliment...
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Beautiful Cuban “work bikes” and a post about cycling in Cuba, by guest writer Kathy Campbell. Viva la Bicicletta – An article and photos on Cuba and their Working Bikes by Kathy Campbell If you love bicycle touring then you must make some time for a bike tour around Cuba. There are so many reasons...
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Want to be a happy cyclist? How about a smart one? One with a strong heart and good lungs? Heck yeah, sign me up. This week, we’ll focus on a food that combines the nutrients needed to deliver on all these promises. It’s not a magic potion or a gimmick. It’s simply a Loving...
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Not only do I have my review of the Helium Lazer helmet today, I also have details on how you can win one of your own. Be sure to check out my thoughts and opinions as well as the video about what I think of this cycling helmet. I have been in serious need...
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As regular readers will know I am a big fan of The Sufferfest training videos. They’ve seen me through some dark, wet winters and this year in particular the indoor winter training I’ve been doing has meant I’ve hit January feeling stronger and fresher than ever. As someone who spends a lot of time...
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This new People for Bikes video featuring my good buddy, Ryan van Duzer has totally blown up on the internet since being released a few days ago. I’m sure you’ve already seen it because it’s everywhere right now, and I’m so happy that Ryan is getting such awesome exposure with it. Here it is,...
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Who I Be…..A Personal Confession How well do you know yourself? I recently decided to take part in a “Personal Confession” exercise to see how well I knew myself, and wanted to share my results in today’s Make it Happen Monday post. You may know me as a guy who loves bicycles, and if...
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Metabolism – Overeating in the Evening? I feel like I can’t control my night-time eating? Is this as bad as I think it is? Can you hear it? The “JAWS” music playing in the background. There’s something sneaking up on you…A METABOLISM KILLER! AAAAAAAAAH! Over-Eating in the Evening. That’s right. It may not sound...
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Ever wonder how “The Love Affair” of cycling is seen through a “non-rider’s” eyes? Today’s guest post by Vania Selvaggi just might be the most beautifully written cycling story ever written by a non-cyclist. Earlier this month, I read an awesome “non-cycling” article online and liked it so much that I asked the writer...
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We’re posting this information on Hydrapak’s Selva so that our #bikeschool classmates can drop in and locate the correct answer to the question asked in class (Tonight – January 19th 2012)….think of it as a cycling tweet chat scavenger hunt. For any non-#bikeschoolers reading this, check out what the Selva has to offer and...
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Question: Out of habit, I’ve always eaten cereal (granola) before my morning ride. For the last several weeks, I’ve been riding at 6am to avoid the heat, and eating at 5:30 am. I haven’t had any stomach issues, but I am not sure that this is the best pre-ride meal strategy. My legs have felt heavy since starting to ride earlier. My rides are 1.5-2 hours. Should I eat less, something different, or nothing at all? What do you think?
Kelli’s Answer: I think your pre-ride fuel strategy can be improved. The issue with eating a moderately high fiber breakfast within 30 minutes of beginning a ride is that it will likely take too long to digest, absorb, and metabolize to provide any energy to your muscles at all. And, what’s more, if the meal is setting in your stomach, you are increasing your risk of stomach cramps (but it sounds like you’ve been okay here) and a reduced bloodflow to your legs since your body is working at digesting.
Although many athletes feel like they need a full breakfast before a morning ride, I think you’ll have better result with less food, and ones that you can eat quickly and metabolize faster.
My first choice would be 2 Tablespoons organic honey + 0.5 – 1 Tbsp organic coconut oil (all straight off the spoon). Why? These are fast-acting, quick-metabolizing energy foods. The honey provides moderately fast carbs that act similarly to maltodextrin (moderately fast and longer lasting than glucose), natural enzymes to improve digestion, and antioxidants. The organic coconut oil provides fast-acting medium chain triglycerides which are used directly by the mitochondria of cells (energy producers) without the need for bile or slow digestion.
Another option would be a sports food with a moderate amount of protein – something like a Clif bar. Or, a smoothie with 1/4 cup yogurt, 1/2 banana, 1 Tbsp honey, and water. These foods will also digest quickly and provide energy during your ride.
And, don’t forget about 8 oz. of fluid.
During your ride, especially if high intensity and over 60 minutes, or moderate intensity and over 90 minutes, you’ll still need during-ride fuel as well. With all rides in heat, you’ll want fluids and lytes!
